The book explores the liberation of the oppressed people. James H. Cone, the author, presents the differences displayed in Christian religion between white and black theologians. White and black theologians have different fundamental perspectives regarding Christianity. White people perceive themselves as superior to blacks. Such a perspective also exists among theologians. While Jesus Christ preached about the struggles of the poor, White theologians tend to ignore that topic. Theology should be based on preaching against poverty and injustices. Jesus was the founder of Christianity and he preached against the oppression of the poor. However, White theologians ignore the essence of the gospel because they fail to preach about liberation.
The church and the gospel in general are defined by the struggle of the poor. Jesus manifested himself through the people as the liberator of the poor. Therefore, any practice to the contrary should be perceived as heretical. Cone draws the ideas of Karl Marx to show how white theologians have failed in their duty to preach the truth. Marx opined that the ruling class holds both political and economic power and makes decisions and ideas for others. Similarly, white theologians believe their ideology about the gospel should be final.
Cone asserts that Jesus is black. The idea behind that statement is that white people have failed to preach about the liberation of the oppressed. If Jesus was alive today, he would associate himself with the black community. The oppression subjected to black people is enough to make Jesus one of them. Ultimately, Cone emphasizes reconciliation cannot occur without repentance. White theologians must repent their sins before reconciliation takes place.
